ICZ – Conservation

Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis), Lincoln park Zoo (U.S.A.) - © Rolf Veenhuizen

CONSERVATION

Grants

ICZ Volunteer Grant

The International Congress of Zookeepers (ICZ) is proud to announce the ICZ Volunteer Grant supporting zoo professionals who wish to contribute their time and skills to in-situ conservation projects.

This grant, valued at 1.000 USD, is designed to assist zoo professionals undertaking volunatry work with conservation initiatives.

Call for applications

Please download more information on how to apply here or email conservation@iczoo.org.

Applications are accepted from March 1 until July 31.

ICZ Volunteer Grant winner 2025 – Ebony Forest Echo Parrot Project (Mauritius)

The ICZ is proud to announce the winner of the ICZ Volunteer Grant 2025: the Ebony Forest Echo Parrot Project, a long‑running conservation and recovery initiative supporting the endangered Echo parakeet in Mauritius. This grant will support volunteer involvement in ongoing conservation activities, contributing to the protection and continued recovery of this emblematic island species. The echo parakeet once declined to around 20 individuals, facing severe threats including habitat loss, predation, disease, and competition. Intensive conservation efforts led by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation and the National Parks and Conservation Services successfully prevented extinction and rebuilt the population.

Supporting measures—such as nest boxes, supplementary feeding, forest restoration, predator control, and continuous monitoring—have contributed to the population’s growth to over 800 individuals. The long‑term goal is to ensure continued recovery while progressively reducing human intervention.

Echo Parakeet Conservation in Mauritius | Ebony Forest

ICZ Keeper Conservation Grant

The International Congress of Zookeepers (ICZ) is proud to offer anually the ICZ Keeper Conservation Grant – Established in 2015 to fund projects protecting wildlife and their habitats.

The grant annually awards the succesful recipient $1,000 USD and has to date provided $11,000 USD to support projects across the globe. You can download an overview of the past grant recipients here.

Applications are accepted from September 1 until December 31.

ICZ Keeper Conservation Grant winner 2026 – Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust (Zambia)

Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage Trust (CWOT) is launching its Tree Pangolin Sanctuary, dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and supporting the release of the endangered white‑bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis). As one of the world’s most heavily trafficked mammals, this elusive species remains poorly studied, making conservation action increasingly urgent. In Zambia, tree pangolins have become nearly extinct in several regions due to intense poaching pressure and habitat loss, and—until now—no dedicated sanctuary existed for their care.

Working closely with local authorities, CWOT will provide specialised care within the pangolin’s natural range, reducing stress and improving survival chances before their release in West Lunga, the only national park remaining within the species’ Zambian distribution.
The project integrates veterinary treatment, behavioural monitoring, keeper training, and community outreach. Through education and sensitisation, the involvement of local communities will play a vital role in ensuring long‑term protection for pangolins and the ecosystems they rely on.

Chimfunshi Wildlife